Working in Manitoba

It could be big good news for people in Manitoba. Even if the 2026 work permit extension has not come yet, a CBC article has been published in which the Immigration Minister gave a statement. She discussed that in 2026 Manitoba will focus on those people who are only in Manitoba, the Manitoba workers. She has also said that workers need support because they can become good Canadians. They are already contributing to Manitoba and helping the economy, so it becomes a duty to support them.

In today’s news, we will properly discuss what the article said and how it was said, so that you get knowledge and a ray of hope, especially those who are already in Manitoba. The province already gave 2024 extensions, and for 2025 as well. So 2026 would not be a big thing. In 2024 the government granted it, and in May 2025 as well, around April. This year also the Immigration Minister said she is in talks and putting pressure on the federal government that yes, this year too there is a need for extension. So, we are not saying the extension will come tomorrow, but it can come. There is a strong chance. Manitoba usually gives two years. This year also they are applying pressure, that means the extension can come.

The article talks about immigration cuts forcing Manitoba to refocus its nominee program on workers already in the province. Because the federal government cut immigration numbers and reduced PNP numbers, Manitoba is saying they will refocus the nominee program on workers already in the province. Because 204 people were given extensions until 2025 and they were nominated. Those who studied and whose points were above 700 or 800 were not getting draws in skilled worker streams. So maybe the government will focus on them in 2026.

It does not mean that people with 2025 extensions will not get support. The government will support everyone who is already working in Manitoba and contributing for two or three years. Your turn will 100% come. Manitoba will support you and nominate you. It does not matter what position you are in.

The Immigration Minister wants more overseas workers with ties to Manitoba. For example, work permit holders, LMIA holders, open work permit, PGWP holders, spouses — those who have ties to Manitoba and have been working here for two or three years and contributing. She wants to prioritize those who are already strong ties in Manitoba, but the numbers are limited because the federal government has reduced allocations.

On January 28, CBC, a very respected and reputed news source, posted this. Salute to all those people who stood in the cold in 2023 and protested outside the Legislative Building. Because of them, the 2024 and 2025 extensions came. If it was not for them, nobody would have helped. Everyone worked hard and stood united against the government to present their point. All credit goes to those people who stood outside in the cold. Not to any group, not to anyone particular, but to those individuals.

Because the federal limits are steering Manitoba’s nominee program, Manitoba has to act strictly. The PNP program is devoting more support to temporary residents already living in the province rather than attracting skilled workers from abroad. This change is made to ensure businesses can keep running and keep their employees.

For example, if we had a business and one worker has been working with me for two years, has knowledge, is loyal, honest, hardworking, and understands the job, and his permit is expiring, if the government supports him, We would not need to hire and train a new person. It is a good thing.

Otherwise, thousands of newcomers with temporary permits would leave the country along with their employers. If we do not support workers now, thousands would leave when their permits expire. That would not benefit anyone. Businesses would suffer loss by training new employees who may not stay.

The minister says it is in our best interest to support those already here rather than bringing new people. Make sure they can actually become Canadian citizens because they are already here and already contributing. They are contributing to the economy, paying taxes, supporting businesses. Businesses do not run only by owners but by workers. Workers are the backbone.

The minister is adjusting the provincial nominee strategy to account for explosive growth in international students and temporary foreign workers after COVID-19 and labor shortages. But with PR numbers cut, there are high retention rates of overseas workers in Manitoba. Manitoba has one of the highest retention rates — over 90%. That means more than 90% stay in the province after getting PR. That is a good thing.

Earlier Manitoba had 9,500 nominations in 2024. In 2025 it was reduced to 6,400. For 2026, numbers are not yet confirmed. Each nomination represents an entire family. If we get nominated, my spouse and dependent children are included.

The minister wants to devote a greater proportion of the PNP to skilled workers with existing ties in Manitoba because of the high retention rate. But with around 8,000 temporary foreign workers in the province, there are not enough nomination spots for everyone.

She says she will keep pressing the federal government to exempt Manitoba from strict immigration limits. She argued that reductions should target big cities that struggle to accommodate newcomers, not smaller communities in her province.

In 2025, Manitoba asked for 12,000 nomination spots but received only 6,400. Still, they supported workers through extensions and nominations. She is also asking Ottawa to extend federal work permits of Manitoba employees expiring this year. In 2024 and 2025 extensions were granted. So let us see what happens in 2026. So far Ottawa has said no this year, but discussions are ongoing.

In our opinion, extension will come. In 2024 support was given, in 2025 support was given. Alberta stepped back, BC also had issues, but Manitoba is still pushing. So there is hope for 2026.

Those who have been contributing for two or three years, studied, worked six months to two years, qualified for nomination — your turn will 100% come. Do not lose hope. You will win. The province is openly showing support. And all this started because people protested outside the Legislative Building and met ministers. Salute to everyone who raised their voice.

The minister is clearly saying it is in our best interest to support workers already here and make sure they can become Canadian citizens because they are already contributing to the economy and community. That is why the PNP program is being adjusted.

Something will happen. 100% something will happen. Do not lose courage. Success is the only option. Keep working hard in Manitoba and you will succeed. Stand united. Without unity, governments do not listen. Support each other across provinces — Alberta, BC, Ontario, Manitoba. No rivalry, no negativity. If someone has worked hard, they deserve support.

May God keep everyone in high spirits. Stay healthy. Work hard. Support your parents. Send money home. Take health insurance for your family. Live a life that makes your parents proud. When parents are happy, God is happy. And when God is happy, no one in the world can harm you.